Get Parents OnBoard!

Good Digital Citizenship begins at HOME. It is imperative to involve parents in the Digital Citizenship curriculums within your school and district, and even consider setting aside some time to offer a crash course for parents as well. For many parents, the topics surrounding Digital Citizenship can be uncomfortable and possibly intimidating considering that they may less knowledgable about technology compared to their kids. Parents must make the time to find out more, talk to other parents and teachers, and plan on doing a bit of research on their own. At the end of the day, it is all just common sense!

Let's watch this video to the right... does this sound familiar??.

How can we get beyond not talking?



Top Ten Tips For Parents

To support the digital citizens we are working hard to create, parents should:
  1. Model responsible technology use at home
  2. Pay Attention to where and what your kids are doing online
  3. Share your Values on cheating, lying, and stealing: remind their kids of RIghts and Wrongs
  4. Establish Limits for phone use, computer use, download times, and internet destinations
  5. Encourage a Balanced Lifestyle online and off
  6. Make your Kids Accountable; privileges are earned and consequense clear
  7. Explain what's at stake and why the rules of Digital Citizenship are important
  8. FInd Ways to say YES by looking for sites and applications that are positive and appeal to kids' interests
  9. IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE: you do not need to be a technology wizard to implement wise choices and learn more about good practices
  10. Lighten Up and embrace your child's digital world and enjoy the possibilities

None of us want digital divides in our relationships.


Materials to Assist in Parental Involvement:


Parental Contract Example:
Chatting with Your Kids About Being Online:
Parent Technology Profile

Return to Collaborative Work Session


Resources:
CyberSmart.com
CommonSenseMedia.org
OnGuardOnline.com

Media Resources:
Video Courtesy of CommonSenseMedia